Katsura Sushi

For those in El Paso, Texas, seeking a taste of authentic and diverse Japanese cuisine, Katsura Sushi aims to provide a comprehensive dining experience. This local establishment is known for its extensive menu, which spans far beyond just sushi, offering a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, from hearty ramen and udon to flavorful teriyaki and unique appetizers. Katsura Sushi strives to create an atmosphere where diners can enjoy fresh ingredients and a broad selection of options, catering to both sushi enthusiasts and those looking for other Japanese culinary delights. The restaurant positions itself as a versatile choice for a quick meal, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends right here in the heart of Texas.

However, it's important to present a balanced view based on recent customer feedback. While the restaurant aims for quality, some recent experiences indicate areas for improvement. For instance, one reviewer shared a very challenging visit: "Where do I even begin.. it had been a few years since i had last visit this place. From what I remembered it was good. BOY HOW IT HAS CHANGED. As we walked in there was absolutely nobody that worked there to be seen. Sat down and waited about 20min just to get asked what we wanted To drink. (We should have left by this point)... Why call it a Japanese restaurant but have reggaeton blasting on the speakers? Ordered the rainbow sushi as an appetizer and I promise you’re better off getting 3 day old sushi that’s been sitting at vista market. No flavor, rice was stale and did I mention no flavor? They don’t even give you the basic condiments that normally come with sushi, and for some reason their soy sauce is light brown. I felt terrible because my wife was craving good sushi so I said, ok let’s try another roll. Got the spicy mango sushi roll and same outcome. But the audacity to have their prices so high for sushi and serve that is beyond me. Our entrees included the udon and yakisoba, again very mediocre, had so much salt that I thought the US was going to go to war for it. They Charge you per can on drinks. In the end I payed 94 dollars for disappointment and regret. If you want decent sushi and food just go to Lins across the street or go to Koze that is about 2min away where you won’t feel like you got robbed if your appetite and money. This place is terrible. I made a mistake giving it a chance. Live and learn. Just go down the street to Albertsons and get some sushi there. You will save lots and lots of money. This restaurant is an embarrassment to El Paso. I am sorry to say." This detailed feedback highlights significant concerns regarding service, food quality (especially sushi and the saltiness of entrees), atmosphere, pricing, and general customer experience.

Another review echoes some of these points: "1. Rap music playing inside a sushi restaurant. Seriously? Have some respect. Get rid of the samurai armor if you don’t want a Japanese atmosphere. 2. They don’t have a real menu, you have to scan a bar code and use your phone to view it online. It’s not a COVID thing because they give you physical menus for the drinks, but no prices, no pictures and someone made it on Microsoft word. Just black and white. 3. No Wi-Fi. They want you to use internet to see the menu, but don’t offer internet. They tease you with the Katsura Wi-Fi name there, but nope. 4. My nigiri 🍣 was bad. So thin it was almost see through. The salmon had skin…I don’t even know what to say. 5. Ordered a sushi roll, I didn’t know barbecue sauce was even a thing with sushi. It didn’t mix well with the cream cheese inside. 🤢 5a. The ginger was thicker than the sushi, which made the ginger terrible overall. 6. No free refills or waitress never offered us any. I think the lemon aid said no free refills. 7. $3 for using your credit card. No matter the price. $3 dollars. 8. We spent $70 for the worst lunch experience. Ambience was terrible. Maybe grass on one wall…it was weird. Not Japanese at all. Or maybe not even trying. Of note, the waitress is nice. It’s not her fault the place is the way it is. Just go get some Albertsons sushi, it is way better and you can watch something fun with your family. Honestly." This extensive critique raises further concerns about the online menu system, lack of Wi-Fi, quality of nigiri (thin fish, salmon with skin), unusual sushi ingredients (BBQ sauce), and additional charges for credit card use and no free refills. Both reviews, despite the overwhelmingly negative sentiment, do make a note that the waitress was nice, indicating that individual staff members may still provide good service despite broader operational issues.

Based on this customer feedback, Katsura Sushi appears to be experiencing significant challenges in meeting customer expectations regarding food quality, service consistency, and overall dining atmosphere. While the menu offers a wide variety of Japanese dishes, potential diners should be aware of these reported issues before visiting.

Katsura Sushi is located at 1920 N Zaragoza Rd # 112, El Paso, TX 79938, USA. This address places it within a busy commercial area on the east side of El Paso, a location that offers high visibility and generally good accessibility for residents across the city. N Zaragoza Road is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant relatively easy to find for those driving.

As part of a commercial complex, Katsura Sushi likely benefits from shared parking facilities, which typically means ample parking space for customers. Its position in a well-trafficked corridor suggests that it's conveniently connected to other retail and dining establishments in the area. For locals in El Paso, particularly those on the east side, the location on Zaragoza Road means it's a nearby option for Japanese cuisine. However, based on the customer reviews provided, the accessibility of the location might be outweighed by the reported in-restaurant experience. While the geographical placement is convenient, potential diners should consider the other aspects of the restaurant highlighted in the feedback.

Katsura Sushi aims to offer a broad selection of Japanese cuisine, catering to various tastes. Based on menu information found publicly and implied by reviews, their services and offerings include:

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides seating for customers to enjoy their meal on-site. Past descriptions mention a "classy" and "elegantly decorated" atmosphere with "well thought out" seating arrangements, though recent reviews suggest a potentially different experience.

• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: Katsura offers a wide range of sushi rolls (including specialty rolls like "Rainbow Sushi," "Spicy Mango Sushi Roll," "Dragon Roll," "Bermudez Roll," "Panko Roll," "New Mexico," and "California Roll"), nigiri, and sashimi, aiming to provide a comprehensive selection for sushi lovers.

• Traditional Japanese Dishes ("From the Kitchen"): Beyond sushi, the menu includes various cooked Japanese dishes such as:

  • Udon and Yakisoba: Noodle-based dishes (though recent reviews criticize high salt content).

  • Teppanyaki: Grilled dishes with various proteins and vegetables.

  • Teriyaki: Classic grilled meat or tofu with teriyaki sauce.

  • Kushiages and Yakitoris: Breaded or marinated skewers.

  • Fried Rice: Various options like Chicken Yakimeshi.

• Appetizers & Shareables: A selection of starters like Edamame, Gyoza, Tempura (Shrimp, Vegetable), Katsura Chicken Wings, and Katsura Calamari. Some appetizers, like the fried calamari, have received positive mentions in broader online reviews.

• Desserts: While not heavily detailed in the provided reviews, other online sources indicate desserts like Mochi ice cream.

• Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers drinks, including canned beverages and potentially sake or Japanese beer. However, reviews indicate a lack of free refills and a "per can" charge, with drink menus described as black and white with no prices or pictures.

• Online Menu (QR Code): Customers are required to scan a QR code to view the menu on their phone, as physical menus for food are not provided (only for drinks, without prices or pictures).

• Takeout and Delivery: Katsura Sushi is available for delivery through various third-party platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, and Favor, offering convenience for those who prefer to dine at home.

Based on a synthesis of provided reviews and broader public information, Katsura Sushi has several aspects that aim to be highlights, although recent customer experiences suggest inconsistencies:

• Extensive Japanese Menu: Katsura Sushi offers a very wide variety of Japanese dishes, going beyond typical sushi restaurants. This includes a full range of sushi and sashimi, along with cooked entrees like Teppanyaki, Teriyaki, Udon, Ramen, Yakisoba, and numerous appetizers, aiming to cater to diverse tastes within Japanese cuisine.

• Variety of Seating Options: The restaurant provides different seating arrangements, including "booth, table, and bar seating," which can cater to various group sizes and preferences for dining ambiance.

• Broad Range of Rolls: The sushi menu includes both classic and specialty rolls, with options like Dragon Roll, Bermudez Roll, Panko Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Spicy Mango Roll, offering a wide array of choices for sushi enthusiasts.

• Some Positives on Service (Individual Staff): Despite overall critical feedback, at least one reviewer noted that "the waitress is nice," indicating that individual staff members may still strive to provide good service.

• Online Accessibility (for ordering): The restaurant utilizes major delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, and Favor, making it convenient for customers to order food for delivery or pickup from their homes.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the significant negative feedback on other aspects that customers highlight:

• Inconsistent Food Quality: Recent reviews sharply criticize the sushi quality ("No flavor, rice was stale," "nigiri was bad, so thin it was almost see through, salmon had skin") and other entrees ("very mediocre, had so much salt"). Unusual ingredients like BBQ sauce on sushi are also mentioned negatively.

• Subpar Ambiance and Music: The atmosphere is frequently criticized, with "reggaeton blasting" or "Rap music playing" being deemed inappropriate for a Japanese restaurant. The "grass on one wall" is described as "weird" and "not Japanese at all."

• Poor Menu System: The requirement to scan a QR code for an online menu (described as a "Microsoft word" document with "no prices, no pictures") combined with a lack of Wi-Fi for customers creates a frustrating experience.

• Service Issues: Concerns include long waits for initial service, forgotten orders, and a general lack of attentiveness from staff, particularly from the male individual perceived as an owner.

• Pricing and Hidden Fees: Customers report high prices for the quality received, no free refills on drinks, and a $3 credit card surcharge regardless of the total, leading to feelings of being "robbed."

• Lack of Basic Condiments: Reviewers noted that basic sushi condiments were not provided, and the soy sauce appeared unusual ("light brown").

While the provided customer reviews do not detail specific ongoing promotions or special offers directly from Katsura Sushi, they do highlight issues with pricing transparency and additional fees. Based on the negative feedback regarding high prices and a $3 credit card surcharge regardless of the bill, it is difficult to confidently state any consistent positive "promotions or special offers."

However, as a standard practice for many restaurants, and confirmed by their presence on various platforms, the following might be available, though their value could be offset by the reported issues:

• Delivery Platform Promotions: Katsura Sushi is available on major food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, and Favor. These platforms occasionally run their own promotions, such as discounts for first-time users or reduced delivery fees during specific periods. Customers would need to check these apps directly for any temporary offers, as they would be provided by the platform, not necessarily by Katsura Sushi itself.

• Restaurant.com Deals: Katsura Sushi is listed on Restaurant.com. This typically means customers can purchase discounted gift certificates or deals for the restaurant through this platform, potentially offering savings on their meal. However, it's crucial to review the terms and conditions of such deals carefully given the reported issues with pricing and extra charges at the restaurant itself.

Given the significant concerns raised by recent customers regarding pricing and unexpected fees, it is strongly advised that any local considering dining at Katsura Sushi explicitly inquire about all costs, including drink prices and payment surcharges, before ordering. This proactive approach would be essential to avoid "disappointment and regret," as expressed by previous patrons.

For those in El Paso, Texas, who wish to contact Katsura Sushi, here are the details:

Address: 1920 N Zaragoza Rd # 112, El Paso, TX 79938, USA

Phone: (915) 857-2222

Mobile Phone: +1 915-857-2222

Operating Hours:

• Monday: Closed

• Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Hours may vary; some sources indicate 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM for some days/locations, and 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM on Sunday. It's best to confirm directly.)

Before visiting, especially given the mixed customer feedback, it would be prudent to call ahead to confirm current hours and address any specific questions you may have about their menu or policies.

Based on the overwhelmingly negative recent customer feedback, it is challenging to recommend Katsura Sushi as a suitable or ideal dining option for locals in El Paso, Texas, at this time. While its location on N Zaragoza Road offers geographical convenience for residents on the east side of the city, the significant issues reported by recent diners overshadow this accessibility.

Locals typically seek restaurants that offer a combination of good food quality, attentive service, a pleasant atmosphere, and fair pricing. The provided reviews indicate that Katsura Sushi currently struggles in all these critical areas. Complaints about stale sushi rice, thin fish, unusual sushi ingredients (like BBQ sauce), overly salty entrees, long wait times for service, a confusing online-only menu without Wi-Fi, inappropriate music, and additional charges for credit card use paint a picture of a disappointing and frustrating dining experience. Patrons specifically advise going to alternative local establishments or even buying sushi from a grocery store for a better and more cost-effective meal.

Therefore, for Texans in El Paso looking for a quality Japanese meal, it appears that, based on recent public data, Katsura Sushi may not be the most reliable choice. While the restaurant has a broad menu, the current customer experiences suggest that it falls short of providing a consistently positive dining experience that locals deserve. Individuals considering a visit should proceed with extreme caution and manage their expectations, perhaps even considering the alternative suggestions provided by dissatisfied customers.

Katsura Sushi

1920 N Zaragoza Rd # 112, El Paso, TX 79938, USA